Best hybrid SUVs in Ireland: top models for low emissions and family practicality

Irish Examiner

13-06-2025

The hybrid SUV market is booming right now and that's because they offer low running costs with practical interiors.
Almost every car manufacturer has jumped onto the SUV bandwagon in recent years and the latest offerings are the best yet.
A hybrid car has a petrol or diesel engine mated to an electric motor. The combustion engine provides power at higher speeds and to the battery when not in use, and then at slower speeds around town, the electric motor kicks in to enable the vehicle to coast using electricity.
A plug-in hybrid car is similar to a regular hybrid with the addition of a battery pack on board which enables a range of pure electric driving over a certain distance.
Hybrids are better for around-town use, while plug-in hybrids are better for company car drivers and those who cover a lot of miles.
The cars on this list offer lots of practicality, and durability and would be a perfect family wagon.
In this article, we've compiled a list of the best hybrid SUVs on sale in Ireland today.
Kia Sportage
Kia Sportage
One of Ireland's best-selling car, the Kia Sportage can be equipped with an efficient hybrid powertrain.
It comes with a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine mated to an electric motor that produces a total of 207bhp, while running costs should be low with Kia claiming the car can achieve up to 5.6l/100km and that CO2 emissions are just 128g/km.
The Sportage looks good, is decent to drive and comes with lots of interior space, making it an ideal car for families.
Plus, all new Sportages come with Kia's seven-year or 150,000km warranty as standard.
Hyundai Tucson
Hyundai Tucson
Underneath its skin, the Hyundai Tucson is the same car as the Kia Sportage and features an efficient hybrid powertrain.
Just like its Korean twin, the car is powered by a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine mated to an electric motor that generates a total of 215bhp, can manage a claimed 5.2l/100km and pumps out 134g/km of CO2.
The Tucson's exterior design features lots of curves and bold lines and there is a sporty N-Line trim level which gives you a few extra performance-oriented touches.
Also, the space inside is vast with loads of rear seat space and plenty of cubby holes up front for all of your passengers' belongings.
And, all new Tucsons come with Hyundai's five-year or 160,000km too.
Lexus RX
Lexus RX
Lexus knows a thing or two when it comes to hybrid powertrains and its latest RX is one of the best on the market.
To drive, it's quiet, has a premium-feeling interior and has a smooth ride – perfect for long journeys.
Under the bonnet, there is a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine mated to an electric motor that churns out 241bhp. Lexus claims that the car has a combined fuel consumption figure of up to 6.3l/100km and that it only produces 143g/km of CO2.
Also, because it's a Lexus, it will come with the firm's Relax Warranty, which means that if you get your car serviced at a franchised dealer, you will get a year's warranty with the car up to 10 years or 185,000kms.
Dacia Duster
Dacia Duster
If you're on a budget and want a hybrid SUV, then look no further than the Dacia Duster.
The Duster has always carried value on its side and the latest model is by far the best iteration yet.
The hybrid model features a 1.6-litre petrol engine mated to an electric motor that produces 138bhp. Dacia claims that it has a combined litres per 100km figure of 4.9 and that CO2 emissions are a low 112g/km.
It may be cheap, but that doesn't mean nasty, as the Duster represents excellent value for money and it feels grown-up and provides a comfortable ride.
Toyota CH-R
Toyota CH-R
The Toyota CH-R is a good-looking and interesting alternative.
With its coupe-esque styling, two-tone paintwork and flush door handles, it stands out from a rather mundane crowd.
It comes with plenty of standard equipment and is decent to drive with precise handling and good body control around the corners.
Powering the car, there is a choice of two powertrains. The former is a 1.8-litre petrol engine mated to an electric motor that gives out 138bhp, while the latter is a punchier 2.0-litre unit with an electric motor that boosts power up to 194bhp. Plus, both models produce the same 111g/km of CO2 and Toyota claims that the CH-R in hybrid guise can manage between 4.9 and 4.8l/100kkm on the combined cycle.
All Toyotas come with the firm's Relax Scheme warranty too, allowing for up to 10 years or 185,000kms of cover if you get the car serviced at a franchised dealer.
Lexus LBX
Lexus LBX
If you want something a little bit smaller but still carry a premium badge, then the Lexus LBX could be the answer.
It comes with a 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine mated to an electric motor that develops 134bhp. What's more, running costs should be very low as Lexus claims the LBX can manage 4.5l/100km and produces just 102g/km of CO2.
To drive, it handles well and there is little body roll around the corners which makes the car one of the best-in-class for driving dynamics.
Skoda Kodiaq
Skoda Kodiaq
PHEV If you're thinking of another alternative, then how about a plug-in hybrid? PHEVs are an even closer stepping stone to EV ownership as they can run up to a certain distance on pure electric power.
One of the best on the market is the Skoda Kodiaq. It comes equipped with a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine mated to an electric motor and a 25.7kWh battery pack that the manufacturer claims can take the car up to 120km on electric power.
The Kodiaq is very practical with lots of interior space and has handy little cubby holes throughout the cabin.
It's also good to drive and very refined, while the quality of the materials used throughout is one of the best-in-class.